Mikel Arteta will face some difficult selection decisions after the international break.
The Arsenal manager has a couple of injury situations to contend with for a start.
Bukayo Saka has returned to Arsenal after sustaining a knock whilst on duty with England, though his condition is not thought to be serious. On top of that, Martin Odegaard is unlikely to return to action as soon as the Gunners do.
Kai Havertz has also been carrying a knee issue for some time, which prompted the forward to withdraw from the Germany squad. His condition will have to be managed carefully by Mikel Arteta.
Meanwhile, Mikel Merino, having returned to fitness just prior to the international break, will be keen for regular football and for the opportunity to truly establish himself in North London, following his summer switch from Real Sociedad.
Darren Bent urges Arsenal to keep faith in Thomas Partey
If Merino were to come into the starting XI, that would disturb the midfield trio that Arteta has generally preferred so far this season.
When both fit, Odegaard and Declan Rice are nailed-on starters. Therefore, once the Norwegian playmaker is back in action, the most obvious candidate to make way for Merino is Thomas Partey.
However, the Ghanaian is currently making a good show of fighting for his place. Partey has enjoyed a streak of fitness so far this season, and has been a solid presence in the middle of the park.
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker and Arsenal fan Darren Bent, in conversation with journalist and ex-Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke, on talkSPORT’s Inside Gooners show, has now argued for the 31-year-old to be kept in the team.
Bent said: “Partey has been incredible. Would you still take him out in this kind of form? I think at the minute, with the way that he’s playing, I’ve got so much confidence in him.”
Clarke replied: “I don’t know whether Mikel would do that. I’m sure he would give Thomas a chance.”
Bent is clearly concerned that taking Partey out of the side could cost the Gunners their rhythm and structure, which has allowed them to remain unbeaten across all competitions so far this season.
Mikel Arteta must back Mikel Merino over Partey
Despite Bent’s warning, Arteta must seek to get Merino into the regular starting XI as soon as possible. The Spaniard needs time to build up a rapport with the likes of Rice, Odegaard, and Leandro Trossard, amongst others.
On top of that, whilst Partey has been good in recent weeks, his fitness cannot be relied upon, but he perhaps stands a better chance of avoiding injury for longer if he is used in a more rotational manner.
Partey is currently fighting for his Arsenal future, but in truth, he already largely belongs to the past. Merino represents the next step.
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